Analysis two readings about Race and Ethnicity in American Culture - Essay Example

Why? The Klan was naturally concerned about Hill’s activities as this enabled Hill to mobilize African Americans and educate them as to their civil and social rights. By educating African Americans, Hill could help them meet the literacy requirement and make them eligible to vote. He could pass on the information in the Republican newspaper to all African Americans. 3. Why did the Klan use such brutal violence against Hill and his relatives? Hill and his relatives were singled out for brutal violence due to Hill’s position as President of the Union League and the Klan’s belief that, as a preacher, he was instrumental in mobilizing African Americans to exercise their franchise.

Hill’s correspondence with A.S. Wallace could instigate Congressional investigations into Klan activities. The Klan did not randomly choose people to terrorize. Hill was specifically targeted for his activities. 4. What significance, if any, should be attributed to the Klan’s demand that Hill pray for them? No significance need be attributed to the Klan’s demand that Hill pray for them, as the Klan appears to be totally committed to violence and the intimidation of African Americans. Their demand may be seen in the light of sarcasm, as Hill was a preacher.

Document 3: The Ku Klux Klan Defends Americanism. 1. What did Evans mean by “the American race?” How was such a “race” formed? By “the American race” Evans meant the Americans whose ancestors belonged to the “old pioneer stock” (Evans, 126). This race was formed by the descendants of the pioneers who founded the nation. These pioneers were largely of Northwestern European heritage. 2. Why was the “Nordic American today --- a stranger?” The influx, and growing political clout, of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Jews and Catholics, undermined the dominance of the Nordic American.

Protestant morals declined: Jews celebrated Sabbath on Saturday and religious instruction was banned in public schools. World War I demonstrated immigrants’ loyalty to their country of origin. 3. Why was “hyphenism” important? In what sense was “the melting pot --- a ghastly failure?” “Hyphenism” was important as it demonstrated that immigrants retained a dual identity and did not consider themselves as just Americans. The ‘Melting-pot’ metaphor was a failure as the various immigrant groups retained their unique ethnic practices and did not assimilate completely into American society.

An immigrant might argue that retaining the ethnic practices of one’s country of origin enriched American culture and made it more vibrant. 4. Why did Evans believe “Liberalism” amount to “national, racial and spiritual treason?” “Liberalism” unconditionally accepted and aided immigrants, and therefore betrayed the interests of the old Nordic race of Americans. The ideals of secularism changed the nature of American society and religion. A ‘Liberal’ might argue that philanthropy was open to all Americans and immigrants contributed to the advancement of American society in several fields. 3. Had the goals of the Klan changed from the Reconstruction era to the 1920’s?

The goals of the Klan had definitely changed from the Reconstruction era to the 1920’s. This is unequivocally demonstrated by the two documents. In the Reconstruction era, as represented by Elias Hill’s testimony, the goal of the Klan was to serve as a vigilante group targeting African Americans and ensuring that